Resources for Laid-Off Workers
Unemployment Assistance:
If you have been laid off from a direct hire job, you are probably eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. More information about eligibility and benefits are available on the following sites.
- Oregon Dislocated Worker Information, Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development, State of Oregon
- Unemployment Insurance in Oregon, Employment Department, State of Oregon (Filing a claim: Appeals; General information; Special programs such as Trade Act Adjustment, Self Employment Assistance, Training Unemployment Assistance, etc.
- Unemployment Benefits in Washington, Employment Security Department, State of Washington
- Unemployment Insurance, U.S. Dept. of Labor
Job Search:
There are a number of resources providing assistance to job seekers. If you are laid off, you should use any resources you can to help find work. Don't limit yourself to only one or two job search tools.
- Links to Resources for Job Seekers, Sylvania Student Employment & Cooperative Education, PCC (This is a long listing of on-line job search tools and directories useful to find work locally and nationally. This web site is available for public use.)
- Jobs for Students and Graduates at PCC, Student and Graduate Employment Services, PCC (Job postings, referrals, resume assistance, etc. are available to any current or recent PCC student, as well as former students who have graduated or transferred from PCC.)
- WorkSource Portland-Metro, State of Oregon (This network of public and private partners offers career planning, skills training and employment services in the Portland-Metro area.)
- Workforce Network, State of Oregon (This PCC affiliate provides customized training, employment, and business services for Portland's North and Northeast regions.)
- Job Search Resources, Student and Graduate Employment Services, PCC (Our web site has on-line guidelines and samples for resumes, cover letters and other job search topics.)
Job Search Strategies for Difficult Times includes a multimedia presentation for job seekers looking for work.
Financial Planning:
If you are laid off, you will need to make immediate adjustments to your household budget and other financial concerns. Below are some resources providing guidance and assistance.
- Budget Calculator, MappingYourFuture.org (Use this on-line tool to calculate your budget expenses and make adjustments during your layoff. TIP: Cut back or eliminate all unnecessary costs including such things as cable, cell phones, vacations and other entertainment.)
- Continuation of Health Coverage (COBRA), U.S. Dept. of Labor (This site explains the continuation of coverage and portability for health insurance coverage under COBRA for workers who lost or left jobs.)
- National Foundation for Credit Counseling (This non-profit organization provides advice, referrals and information related to debt management.)
Financial Assistance:
If you have immediate needs for cash, housing and/or food assistance, there are a variety of services available to you.
- Assistance Services in Oregon, Department of Human Services, State of Oregon (Oregon has a number of programs to provide individuals and families with short-term and long-term assistance. This site describes these programs and provides contact information.)
- Available Services in Washington, Department of Social and Health Services, State of Washington (Washington has a number of programs to provide individuals and families with short-term and long-term assistance. This site describes these programs and provides contact information.)
- GovBenefits.gov, Your Benefits Connections, US Department of Labor (GovBenefits.gov is the official benefits website of the U.S. government, with information on over 1,000 benefit and assistance programs.)
- Financial Aid for Students, Financial Aid Office, PCC (PCC offers assistance to students through various federal, state and private funding sources. This site describes available assistance, eligibility and application processes. Emergency loans may be available to eligible students.)
Emotional Support:
Being laid off can be confusing, frustrating, and frightening. Seek out personal and professional support as you work through your layoff.
- 211 Info, (A directory and referral service for programs and providers serving Oregonians with workforce and employment, social support, and public health services. Search by type of service and location or call.)
- Counseling Services at PCC, Counseling Centers, PCC (PCC's free, professional counseling services can help you solve problems and develop your academic and personal potential. Services are open to both currently attending and potential students. )